Wills
Put important instructions in writing and identify how you want your estate handled.
What a will generally does
A will is a written document that expresses how you want your estate handled and names the people responsible for carrying that out. It’s one of the most familiar estate-planning tools, and for many people it’s an important part of a complete plan.
A will is typically one component of a broader estate plan rather than the entire plan by itself. It often works alongside other documents such as powers of attorney and, in some cases, a trust.
Choosing an executor
Your will names an executor: the person responsible for carrying out its instructions. Choosing who should serve in that role, and who should serve if your first choice is unable to, is one of the decisions involved in preparing a will.
Guardian decisions
If you have minor children, a will can be used to nominate a guardian. See Planning for Children for more on how that decision fits into the broader planning process.
Wills and trusts aren't interchangeable
A will and a trust serve different purposes, and the right approach depends on your goals, your property, and your family circumstances. There isn’t a single right answer that fits everyone. That’s a decision to work through with the firm rather than something to figure out on your own beforehand. See Trusts for more on trust-based planning.
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